Posted - 06/24/2009 : 6:22:28 PM The latest TNNA was so Twittered and blogged that I decided to skip my usual generic show wrap-up and focus on what was making the biggest news - starting with the launch of Spud & Chloe, which is profiled this week.

Blue Sky Alpacas was the belle of the ball at the most recent TNNA. The company cleverly did an end-run around any confusion that may exist about its name, which leads many to believe it only sells alpaca yarns.

The company got its start as an importer of luxury alpaca yarns, and then expanded its offerings to include cotton. But still, that pesky word "alpaca" remained. Some customers just couldn't wrap their brains around any other kind of yarn coming from this company.

Posted - 06/03/2011 : 03:45:00 AM I have only used the Sweater weight, washed by hand, and had no issues. I do have more for another baby sweater and hope your experience is unusual because I imagine moms will want to machine wash.

I have read that the bulky weight does pill but I have no direct experience.

Pamela

minh

Posted - 06/01/2011 : 7:17:40 PM I've knitted with the "Sweater" yarn several times now and always for baby presents. Up until now, I've washed the finished items by hand before giving them away and was quite happy. This weekend, I washed several items knitted out of "Sweater" in the washing machine with cold water as specified on the care label. There was much more pilling than when washing by hand (not surprisingly) so I will steer away from stockinette from now on. Has anyone else noticed this?

Posted - 06/30/2009 : 7:15:55 PM I received my order of Spud and Chloe "fine" and "sweater" from kpixie. I've never been a big fan of knitting with a cotton-based yarn before but "sweater" is so soft and squishy that I'm reconsidering.

technikat

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 8:14:05 PM I just got an email from my LYS Knitche that they have the yarn.I'm looking forward to the wool/silk blend, although the cotton/woolsounds good too.

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 6:01:10 PM I've been very excited reading about this new yarn brand through Clara's review and some of the designers' blog. The patterns are adorable and it's great to have a superwash yarn made with natural yarns. I'm off to order some Spud and Chloe fine!

tammijo@mac.com

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 4:02:36 PM I love the packaging and branding of this new yarn. I love many of the other yarns from Blue Sky Alpaca so I am looking forward to trying these.

I applaud their use of organic fibers! I go out of my way to use organically grown cotton and wool. My only caveat is this - I'd like more information on the superwash process. I was led to believe it is a harsh chemical process that burns away the cuticle of the yarn so that it won't felt with agitation and that the disposal industrial use of said chemicals is harmful. Obviously Blue Sky is not the only one making superwash wool, but is there a way to make superwash wool that won't harm makers and users of the product and the environment and won't negate the environmental advantages of using organic cotton and wool?

pmcgrath

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 07:05:08 AM Great information on the new yarn Spud & Chloe. Will have to find a pattern and try it out

Jane

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 04:11:06 AM I ordered some Fine from Loop last night -- that blue is beautiful, and I can't wait to see if it will become socks or a small shawl. I've enjoyed working with Blue Sky yarn in the past. Thanks for the reviews, Clara!

Posted - 06/25/2009 : 02:27:00 AM I am actually really looking forward to the worsted wool-cotton yarn. I love Blue Skies Alpaca yarn and their cotton is so great. I also really like wool-cotton blends so this sounds the perfect yarn to me. I will be in New York for work at the end of July and this is the yarn I hope to take back to Sweden....

Posted - 06/24/2009 : 8:40:51 PM Well I have to admit, my brain went to "first corn and milk, now potatoes". Sounds interesting. I'll have to hunt for a LYS that carrys it. Unless I can convence Bobbie to carry it in her online store...hmmm.

Posted - 06/24/2009 : 7:22:44 PM Thanks Clara for the heads up on the yarn, I am interested in trying the lace.

shaggy

every dollar makes Betty smile

GFTC

Posted - 06/24/2009 : 7:05:24 PM Sounds great! My LYS, Purl, has it and sent out an email about it the other day. Now that Clara has given it street cred I'll have to go to Soho and take a peek & a feel. I love the idea of a wool/cotton washable blend.

It's nice to have some new yarn available in the stores instead of just from the indie dyers.